Women’s and Men’s Recovery Program

A twelve-step program of recovery is the proven model for the Brother Benno Recovery Program. This is a two-phase residential program in which members are required to learn ethics and responsibility by working at the Center in service to the poor and homeless, attending AA meetings, communicating with a sponsor, and working the Twelve Steps of the program. This is a six-month Program. Click here for more information.

Food

Hot meals are served and sack lunches are provided to the public six days a week at our Center at 3260 Production Avenue in Oceanside. Meals are served Monday through Friday, 6:30 to 8:00 a.m., and Saturday, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Families with children, senior citizens, and the disabled are eligible to receive one or more family food boxes (depending on size of household) once a month. The food box consists of basic food staples to feed a family of four for three days and is intended to supplement the nutritional needs of low-income families.

Low-income families with children in the household, senior citizens over age 60 or the disabled may register for monthly food boxes. Documentation required includes proof of children’s age, seniors’ age, or government recognized disability. Food boxes are distributed to qualified individuals at the Brother Benno Center, on Production Avenue, Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m.to 10:45 a.m.

Clothing

The Clothing Room at the Brother Benno Center is open Monday through Friday, 6:30 to 8:00 a.m. Guests are welcome to take a selection of items free of charge. Items for men, women, and children are typically available. Free blankets are distributed throughout the year. Clothing can also be purchased at very reasonable prices at the Brother Benno Thrift Shop, located at 3955 Mission Avenue in Oceanside. Proceeds from the sales of donated goods go toward the services provided at the Center.

Laundry

Laundry facilities are available at the Center. Guests may have their laundry done in exchange for two hours of service at the Center. Service includes chores such as cleaning tables, floors, sidewalks, etc.

Mail & Telephone Service

Homeless guests may use the Brother Benno Center as their mailing address and message center. Telephone calls may be made free of charge for necessary business purposes. Free long-distance calls are provided on Thanksgiving and Christmas so that guests may call their loved ones.

Replacement of Identification

Replacement of personal papers such as IDs and birth certificates may be arranged in exchange for service performed at the Center.

Transportation

Bus passes may be provided on a case-by-case basis for medical appointments or matters relating to court or parole.

Rent and Utility Assistance

Emergency assistance with rent or utility payments is provided under limited circumstances only to households with children under the age of eighteen, low-income seniors (over age 60) or the disabled. Documentation of age, disability, and income is required.
Assistance is subject to available funds.

Prescription Assistance

Guests who qualify may periodically apply to receive assistance with payment of necessary prescription medications. * All narcotic pain management medications or psychotropic drugs of any kind will NOT be covered.*Prescriptions are filled at our participating Walgreen pharmacy only.

Scholarships

When funds are available, the Brother Benno Foundation offers scholarships to high school seniors in the Oceanside, Carlsbad, and Vista school districts who will continue their education at a two or four year college, or a vocational/technical school.

The criteria used in selecting students are as follows: They must be affected by homelessness, poverty, drug, or alcohol abuse in their home, and they must maintain at least a C average. The idea is to support young people whose grades may have suffered as a result of the stress that poverty and/or addiction have brought into their lives through no fault of their own.

Education

The Brother Benno Foundation sets aside funds to assist our men and women who are interested in returning to school.* Interested parties are responsible for submitting an education plan to the Board of Directors for consideration. Upon approval, Brother Benno’s may pay for things like books, course fees, etc. to encourage and reinforce the merits of education.*For recovery members only

Children’s Reading Room

Recognizing that literacy is paramount to self-sufficiency in life, Brother Benno’s has opened a charming reading room for children to use on Saturdays during brunch, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. The children are invited to read with our volunteers, and they may choose favorite books to take home for keeps!

AID TO MILITARY PERSONNEL & VETERANS

Brother Bennos delivers over 150 food boxes each month to military personnel on Camp Pendleton. The food box consists of basic food staples to feed a family of four for three days and is intended to supplement the nutritional needs of low-income families.

We also assist veterans with referrals, information about other services, and transportation to medical and other appointments.